Motorcyclists may want to check the decals on the back of their helmets and the placement of their passengerB次元官网网址檚 feet if they want to avoid hefty fines.
Starting June 1, motorcyclists can face up to hundreds of dollars in fines if caught on the road without helmets that meet the provinceB次元官网网址檚 new safety requirements, and feet that hit the bikeB次元官网网址檚 floor boards.
Only helmets complying under the standards of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), Snell Memorial Foundation 2005 or 2010, or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) will be considered legal. Proper certification labels on helmets will be required.
B次元官网网址淭he better protection youB次元官网网址檙e protecting your head (with), the greater chance that you have to survive,B次元官网网址� said Oak BayB次元官网网址檚 Acting Sgt. Angus Wagnell.
Novelty helmets, known as skid lids, skill caps, or beanies, which were previously legal, donB次元官网网址檛 provide any actual protection, Wagnell added.
B次元官网网址淚f you hit something head on, your flying off that bike at 50 km/hr, 80 km/hr on the highway, youB次元官网网址檙e going to want the best protection that you can (get).B次元官网网址�
The helmets required under the new regulation have B次元官网网址渁 rigid head covering with a strong, stiff outer shell and a crushable liner.B次元官网网址�
The stiff shell protects the head by distributing impact throughout the surface of the helmet, while the crushable liner absorbs energy of the impact.
ItB次元官网网址檚 a B次元官网网址渘o-brainerB次元官网网址� to have safety improved equipment, said Insp. Ray Fast, head of the Island District Traffic Services.
B次元官网网址淓ven if it just saves one life or saves one person from a serious injury, I think, thatB次元官网网址檚 a significant achievement because at the end of the day thatB次元官网网址檚 what weB次元官网网址檇 like to see,B次元官网网址� Fast said.
As well, motorcycle drivers and passengers are required to keep their feet on the bikeB次元官网网址檚 foot pegs or floorboards. Children who cannot reach the foot rests will no longer be able to ride as passengers.
If a passenger is not tall enough to reach the floorboard, it probably isnB次元官网网址檛 safe for them to be on the bike, Wagnell said.
B次元官网网址淧art of it is for child safety,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭he other part is to try and prevent stunt driving.B次元官网网址�
Motorcyclists found violating seat requirements, such as allowing passengers under the age of 16 to be unlawfully seated, will face up to $121 in fines or could have their bike impounded if found to be stunt driving.
All helmet related offences will cost bikers up to $138.
If a motorcyclist refuses to give their helmet to an officer when asked, a $276 fine will be issued.
For more details, see www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv.
Did you know?
B次元官网网址� In the past 5 years, in B.C. there were 203 motorcycle deaths. On Vancouver Island (under RCMP jurisdictions) there were 40.
B次元官网网址� Each year in B.C., there are approximately 2,200 crashes involving motorcyclists and about 42 deaths.
